quote:

---

Originally posted by palmland:

Strictly a rumor at this point, but other railfan discussion have talked about Amtrak using three Amtrak western routes this summer as the test for the long discussed experiment to outsource the service to a private entity. I can't imaging why, but one of those interested was purported to be Marriott. If so, I assume it would be strictly for on board operations and Amtrak would continue to provide equipment and T&E crews.

---

While I cannot locate any reference to such at any rail site I know of, but from knowing Mr. Palmland face-to-face, "he don't make stuff up".

So far as Marriott, whose corporate credo reportedly is "the only good Union is a busted Union", would they assume the existing Amtrak OB employees covered by Agreement or would they emulate the Subway fiasco?
 

---

Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
 
This may well be made up, GBN. It was reported by an Amtrak passenger on a western train. He heard an Amtrak supervisor talking with a crew member. So guess that makes it a dtriple hearsay,

But it is interesting to speculate what a Marriottt operation would be like. More likely it might only be to provide catering service. Does Marriott still have a subsidiary that does that.
 

---

Posted by DonNadeau (Member # 61606) on :
 
In my opinion, Amtrak would be far better off to run its diners as coffee shops (with "blue plate specials" for sleeping car passengers) open throughout the day.

Beyond fast food, casual family dining is the norm in America, not reservation-type places.

Amtrak should target its food services to the predominate demographic on its trains and that is those sitting in coach.

Give a company like the Cheesecake Factory a try and see what happens. Or use one of the better airline caterers that has far more experience.
 

---

Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
 
From Holiday Inn Express Boca Raton--

Amtrak has gone that route in the past, Mr. Nadeau.

They have had Snack Bars staffed (Attendant @ overtime rate) 24/7, and they have had regional Dining Car menus with regional specialtes, such as Tex-Mex and Creole on the Sunset.

Now so far as their caterer goes, Aramark's bad name goes with them. Anyone remember the SP Automat? That was an Aramark invention. Walk into a potty at at a MickeyD, there's Aramark's logo on the towel dispenser. They are also caterers to many a "Correctional Institution" about the land.

Finally, the Sky Chef Short Ribs served aboard United flying overseas last August were tender and flavorful. Who knows what lay ahead on 52 (6). I just might be a "naughty boy" and find a Subway in Sanford "just in case". Only problem, 60 Mass could care less. Might the media? "Auto Train Passenger Says Food Is Vile". "Passenger traveling in a Bedroom stops at Subway before boarding".
 

---

Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
 
I will be interested to hear your A-T report., GBN. I read recently that ridership is down while the rest of Amtrak trains are at least holding their own. I suspect Amtrak may have realized, perhaps too late, that the demographic of its passengers require a higher level of service. Aside from putting the first class lounge car back (also used for overflow diners) it will be interesting to see if your dinner is decent and your thoughts on the level of overall service.
 

---

Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
 
Stay tuned on Monday.
 

---

Posted by palmland (Member # 4344) on :
 
In researching Marriott catering services I came across this fascinating link.

It would be ironic if this Marriott offshoot got back into catering for rail travelers.
 

---

Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
 
From Marriott Biscayne Bay Miami

Shall I run downstairs from the 29th floor to see if the General Manager is interested?
 

---

Posted by PullmanCo (Member # 1138) on :
 
I'm not exactly a pro-labor guy,

BUT

If Amtrak contracts out represented service to a non-union shop, and terminates represented employee jobs, the whole matter will end up at the National Labor Relations Board faster than Gil can say the BNSF mile marker at his home.

I think the employees may well win, too.

Worse, what happens if T&E and maintenance crafts strike in sympathy for on board service employees. A one week strike would muck up the system, period.
 

---

Posted by Gilbert B Norman (Member # 1541) on :
 
From Marriott Biscayne Bay Miami--

quote:

---

Originally posted by Gilbert B Norman:

So far as Marriott, whose corporate credo reportedly is "the only good Union is a busted Union", would they assume the existing Amtrak OB employees covered by Agreement or would they emulate the Subway fiasco?

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by DonNadeau:
In my opinion, Amtrak would be far better off to run its diners as coffee shops (with "blue plate specials" for sleeping car passengers) open throughout the day.

Beyond fast food, casual family dining is the norm in America, not reservation-type places.

Amtrak should target its food services to the predominate demographic on its trains and that is those sitting in coach.

Give a company like the Cheesecake Factory a try and see what happens. Or use one of the better airline caterers that has far more experience.

---

• Under the FAST Act, an entity may be an "eligible petitioner" for the pilot program only if it owns the relevant rail infrastructure on the route or has a "written agreement" with the rail infrastructure owner. Additionally, a winning bidder who doesn't own the infrastructure must obtain from the owner a written agreement that governs access issues